Overfunctioning and underfunctioning are ideas from Bowen family systems theory (http://www.thebowencenter.org/pages/theory.html).
In a nutshell, people who overfunction do things for others that they could have done for themselves. They have trouble showing people their less-able sides, either because others freak out when that happens, or because they're scared of being seen as less capable. Their mottoes are, "If you want a job done well, do it yourself," and, "Never let them see you sweat." Under stress, overfunctioning people tend to "take over".
People who underfunction let others do for them what they could have done for themselves. They have trouble showing their more-able sides, either because others don't give them a chance, or because they have come to believe in their own incompetence. Their mottoes are, "I was going to get around to that someday," and "I can't because...". Under stress, underfunctioning people tend to "fall apart".
1. In general, do tend to over- or underfunction?
Overfunction. I was raised in a house of 'all or nothing' which is great if you need extremes not so much if you need subtly. I joke that Dad would grab a hammer to put in a light bulb. At the same time you never had to wonder what he was trying to tell you.
2. We all overfunction in some areas and underfunction in others. In what areas do you overfunction (e.g. work/school, maintaining relationships, housework)? In what areas do you underfunction?
I used to constantly overfunction at work. I have found balance since 2001 and do my best to maintain. I underfunctioned at school from Kindergarden to my Senior year. If I understood the lesson I saw no need to do homework for something I already understood. Housework I am currently underfunctioning and have been since I was a janitor at two different places. I am trying to find a balance. I think if I devote a minimum of 30 minutes to housework a day then nothing will get too out of hand. As far as relationships go I am not sure. I try to keep a list of things to do and things not to do.
3. Do you tend to date people who overfunction or people who underfunction, or is it about equal?
I think it is the same as myself. We only are attracted to those as screwed up as we are.
4. Do you tend to be friends with people who overfunction or people who underfunction, or is it about equal?
Equal. Familiar grounds lends to comfort.
5. What were the roles in the family you grew up in? Who had a tendency to overfunction, and who had a tendency to underfunction?
Everybody was on overfunction at all times. Fairly intense.
1. What item would you be embarrassed for people to know you own?
Spice Girls movie on VHS.
2. What is something you splurged on just for you?
My red skull and bandanna print Vans.
3. What is something that you own with no real world value that is priceless to you?
My old Swatch watch from high school
4. Do you collect anything?
I used to collect comics. Two different times really. Once I collected stamps. I guess one could argue I collect music.
5. What item belonging to a friend/family member do you covet?
Pretty much anybody with an ipod.
In a nutshell, people who overfunction do things for others that they could have done for themselves. They have trouble showing people their less-able sides, either because others freak out when that happens, or because they're scared of being seen as less capable. Their mottoes are, "If you want a job done well, do it yourself," and, "Never let them see you sweat." Under stress, overfunctioning people tend to "take over".
People who underfunction let others do for them what they could have done for themselves. They have trouble showing their more-able sides, either because others don't give them a chance, or because they have come to believe in their own incompetence. Their mottoes are, "I was going to get around to that someday," and "I can't because...". Under stress, underfunctioning people tend to "fall apart".
1. In general, do tend to over- or underfunction?
Overfunction. I was raised in a house of 'all or nothing' which is great if you need extremes not so much if you need subtly. I joke that Dad would grab a hammer to put in a light bulb. At the same time you never had to wonder what he was trying to tell you.
2. We all overfunction in some areas and underfunction in others. In what areas do you overfunction (e.g. work/school, maintaining relationships, housework)? In what areas do you underfunction?
I used to constantly overfunction at work. I have found balance since 2001 and do my best to maintain. I underfunctioned at school from Kindergarden to my Senior year. If I understood the lesson I saw no need to do homework for something I already understood. Housework I am currently underfunctioning and have been since I was a janitor at two different places. I am trying to find a balance. I think if I devote a minimum of 30 minutes to housework a day then nothing will get too out of hand. As far as relationships go I am not sure. I try to keep a list of things to do and things not to do.
3. Do you tend to date people who overfunction or people who underfunction, or is it about equal?
I think it is the same as myself. We only are attracted to those as screwed up as we are.
4. Do you tend to be friends with people who overfunction or people who underfunction, or is it about equal?
Equal. Familiar grounds lends to comfort.
5. What were the roles in the family you grew up in? Who had a tendency to overfunction, and who had a tendency to underfunction?
Everybody was on overfunction at all times. Fairly intense.
1. What item would you be embarrassed for people to know you own?
Spice Girls movie on VHS.
2. What is something you splurged on just for you?
My red skull and bandanna print Vans.
3. What is something that you own with no real world value that is priceless to you?
My old Swatch watch from high school
4. Do you collect anything?
I used to collect comics. Two different times really. Once I collected stamps. I guess one could argue I collect music.
5. What item belonging to a friend/family member do you covet?
Pretty much anybody with an ipod.